• • • Blogging from a sunny spot about our favorite place on the planet • • •

The beginning of spring is just days away and with it’s promise of warmer weather, spring also means the beginning of migration and nesting seasons for birds. The five barrier islands that make up NC’s Brunswick Islands – Sunset Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, Holden Beach, Oak Island and Bald Head Island- encompass a large network of bird sanctuaries. Situated along the coast of Southeastern North Carolina, the Brunswick Islands’ varied ecosystems make it a natural haven for hundreds of species of birds. In fact, there have been more than 330 species of birds spotted in Brunswick County. Brunswick County is also home to eight of the birding sites along the North Carolina Birding Trail!

North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands has more than 45 miles of unspoiled shoreline, pristine estuaries, and salt marshes that sustain a wide variety of wading birds and shorebirds during the spring nesting season. Battery Island, located in the Cape Fear River across from the Southport waterfront, alone is home to nearly 10 percent of the North American population of White Ibis. White Ibis is one of the most visible and prolific species with their bright white plumage that contrasts the colors in the sky. In 2012, there were more than 5,000 documented nesting pairs of this species on the six-acre island. Battery Island is a bird sanctuary protected by the National Audubon Society.

In addition to White Ibis, other shore birds and wading birds visitors to the Brunswick Islands are likely to encounter include several species of terns and gulls, American Oystercatchers, Black Skimmers, Plovers, Egrets, and Herons. Away from the shore, in nature preserves such as the Green Swamp Preserve, Ev-Henwood Nature Preserve, and Boiling Spring Lakes Preserve, visitors may see a variety of warblers and sparrows as well as Brown-headed Nuthatches, Summer Tanagers, and Indigo Buntings.

More on birding and bird walks in the Brunswick Islands with Greg Loomis with Wild Bird & Garden in Southport:

We spoke with local bird enthusiast, Greg Loomis with Wild Bird & Garden in Southport about bird walks, birding in the area, and some of his favorite bird spots. His answers are shared below.

How can a visitor to Brunswick Islands get involved in birding?

“Wild Bird & Garden hosts free monthly bird walks that are open to residents and visitors. These bird walks are held on the third Wednesday of every month at 8:30 a.m. Our group walks down to the waterfront of the Southport Riverwalk & Pier. The people who participate on these walks are so knowledgeable and passionate about birding, some can even identity the type of bird by their song alone.”

What species of birds can participants on these walks expect to see?

“We see a lot of different birds on these walks including White Ibis, Glossy Ibis, Seaside Sparrow, Painted Bunting, Carolina Chickadees and more.”

What is the rarest bird that you have encountered on a bird walk in the area?

“I once saw a painted bunting in Southport!” (For those who don’t know, painted buntings are one of the most spectacularly colored and visually impressive birds in the United States. Males can be easily identified by their blue head, green back, and red rump and belly. )

Are there any suggested materials or equipment participants should bring on the bird walks?

“We suggest that guests bring a pair of binoculars, but visitors or residents are able to rent them from Wild Bird & Garden if they don’t bring a pair with them.”

To learn more about birding in North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands, and to plan your trip, visit www.NCBrunswick.com

It’s never too early to start planning a family reunion your loved ones will remember for years to come. With the area’s central Mid-Atlantic location, plenty of affordable accommodations, more than 45 miles of beautiful beaches, endless outdoor activities, and fairways as far as the eye can see, it is easy to see why hundreds of families host their annual reunion at North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands each year. There is no better place to get the family together than at the beach, and the Brunswick Islands has offerings suited to every member of the family.

We spoke with Cheryl Summer, an Ohioan who has been visiting North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands for more than 35 years. Cheryl originally started visiting the area with a few couples, and it has now morphed into a 20-person, two-house annual reunion with family and friends traveling from all over the country.

Check out Cheryl’s six tips on making the most of a family reunion, from planning to feeding a crowd:

Find Accommodations That Can Hold Your Entire Family:

The Brunswick Islands has plenty of accommodations and meeting space that can accommodate families of all sizes! One of the most popular accommodations is a vacation rental home. Cheryl recommends booking one or more large houses, with spacious, equipped kitchens, lots of bathrooms, laundry facilities and plenty of areas to gather.

Plan Well in Advance:

Cheryl suggests that families start preparation for each beach reunion at least one year in advance. “We reserve the same two houses for two weeks every September,” she says. “We have families that stay for various lengths of time, and attendees from the current year get first pick on dates for next year’s reunion.”

Organize and Delegate Shopping and Meals:

Feeding the entire family three times a day is no small feat! Cheryl suggests assigning each family a night to provide dinner. “They buy and prepare the main course, dessert and beverages,” says Sumner. Through the years, it’s developed into a friendly competition as each group tries to outdo the other. To save on labor, they use paper plates and cups. “We don’t come on vacation to do dishes,” she laughs.

For the other meals and staples, Cheryl suggests that every person contribute $30 to the “kitty.” At the beginning of the trip, Cheryl and her two organizing friends, Rosie and Debbie, make a grocery store run to purchase breakfast and lunch items, paper towels, zip bags, ice and other kitchen items.

“We designate one house for breakfast and lunch,” says Sumner, “and the other for dinner.” This provides the dinner crew a clear kitchen and enough prep time. “But both refrigerators have drinks, snacks and condiments for everyone,” says Sumner.

Themes and Games Make It More Fun:

Perhaps the most fun and memorable part of each reunion is the changing theme. “We have a different theme each year. Once it was Christmas in July, another it was pirates, we vote on the next year’s theme at the end of the reunion” says Sumner.

Tuesday is designated as party night, with everything revolving around the theme, from costumes, décor, quizzes, music and activities. “The year of the pirate we created a treasure hunt throughout the house and onto the beach,” says Sumner. “Participants searched the house for clues, and followed a map onto the sand, where we had placed nine different ‘Xs’ to mark potential treasure.” These fun themed activities bring the family together in a fun and exciting way!

Choose a Location with Many Activities:

Cheryl recommends that families pick a beach that’s not too busy and crowded, such as those in this southernmost corner of North Carolina. Yet the location should have activities for each age group. While each of the beaches of North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands – Sunset Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, Holden Beach, Oak Island, Caswell Beach and Bald Head Island – has its own character and charm, they all offer plenty of activities for every age and interest. On the islands and the mainland are mouthwatering dining, museums and shops, boating, kayaking, fishing and championship golf, and riveting maritime and military history.

Book Ahead:

While North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands is a well-loved, best-kept secret, it’s best to book a vacation beach rental, especially very large or oceanfront homes, a year ahead or at least by January if visiting from May – August, as many families like Cheryl’s come back year after year to build upon what they call their best vacation memories ever.

Come see why the Brunswick Islands brings families together! To plan your family reunion in North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands, and to learn more, visit www.NCBrunswick.com

Known as “North Carolina’s Golf Coast”, North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands features more than 30 top golf courses built to accommodate players of all skill levels including new golfers and junior golfers. Many of the courses offer private and group lessons from golf professionals who work with every aspect of your swing to improve power, accuracy and consistency. The experience of learning to golf or refining your game in the Brunswick Islands is enhanced by scenic coastal views and more than 45 miles of beach.

Here’s just a few of the courses new golfers may want to include in their Brunswick Islands vacation:

Compass Pointe Golf Club

Located in Leland, Compass Pointe Golf Club is the newest 18 hole course in North Carolina. The Rick Robbins designed course features wide fairways, large Champion Bermuda greens and scenic native Carolina landscaping which creates an exceptional golf experience for players of all skill levels. Multiple sets of tees are offered including a set of “Family Tees” that are great for juniors, older players and new players. Golf instruction for individuals, groups, junior clinics and junior summer golf camps are available. The facility includes a complete short-game area with an 18-hole putting course, chipping green, sand play green, regular putting green and a large practice range.

Carolina National Golf Club

Located in the Brunswick Islands’ mainland, Carolina National Golf Club is a Fred Couples signature golf facility with new Champion Bermuda greens. It features 27 holes arranged in three nines; Egret, Heron and Ibis, named after the birds that inhabit the Audubon Certified Sanctuary Golf Course. Carolina National Golf Club offers single, multiple or weekly lessons for golfers looking to enhance their game. Carolina National is also home to the Cheryl Brankel Golf Academy that features a 14,000 sq. ft. putting and chipping green, and a 320-yard driving range with its own tee box.

Sea Trail Golf Resort

Located in Sunset Beach, Sea Trail Golf Resort features three 18 hole courses designed by some of the game’s greatest architects – Dan Maples, Rees Jones, and Willard Byrd. Private lessons are offered by in-house golf professionals providing special golf instruction tailored to all skill levels. Sea Trail Resort is also home to the Mel Sole Golf School, a program that has been ranked among the “Top 25 USA Golf Schools” since 1999 by Golf Magazine. Instruction is available year round and includes one- to three-day programs. Sea Trail’s practice facility offers a driving range, practice green for chipping, pitching and bunker practice, and two putting greens.

Oak Island Par Three at South Harbor

Located in Oak Island, Oak Island Par 3 at South Harbour is a public par-3 course offering an excellent setting for those new to the game, juniors, as well as golfers of any skill level. Scenic views and a stunning coastal landscape make learning to golf at the course an enjoyable and exciting experience. This 18 hole par-3 course provides a calm and easy setting for beginners to get the feel of the game and if you enjoy walking that option is available. No clubs? That’s not a problem as rental clubs are available on site. Visitors can bring their family and friends out for a day of fun at the Oak Island course!

To learn more about the golf offerings in North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands, and to plan your trip, visit www.NCBrunswick.com

Follow NC’s Brunswick Islands on social media at www.facebook.com/NCBrunswick/ and www.instagram.com/ncbrunswickislands/

Think past the chilly winter months and bulky sweaters forward to basking in the sun in your new bathing suit! Get rid of the winter blues by planning a picturesque coastal getaway this Spring to North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands. Springtime in North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands means tons of local events to entertain the whole family. The views are breathtaking, the food is exquisite, and the memories will last a lifetime.

Here’s just a taste of everything North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands has to offer this spring:

Southport’s Franklin Square Gallery hosts the annual spring art show featuring paintings, pottery, sculptures, and handmade jewelry by both members of the gallery and local guest artists. The historic building is located near the live oak trees behind Franklin Square Park three blocks from Southport’s waterfront at 130 E. West Street. Over 100 artists will be displaying their work during the exhibit and an award ceremony will be held on Saturday, March 3rd from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. This ongoing event is free and open to all ages.

Art enthusiasts of all ages are invited to attend this free event hosted by Franklin Square Gallery, The Ricky Evans Gallery, Lantana’s Gallery, Silver Coast Winery and Tasting Room Gallery to view the beautiful pieces created by some of North Carolina’s finest artists. Wine and appetizers will be served at each of these locations.

“The world’s toughest foot race” features a 12-mile warm-up on the peaceful, car-free roads of Bald Head Island and is followed by a 19 or 39 mile run through the beautiful and serene beaches that run between Cape Fear and Fort Fisher. Entry pricing is $195 for the 32-mile race and $225 for 51.4 mile race.

Celebrate Easter weekend with friends and family at one of Southport’s biggest traditions for more than 30 years. Enjoy the 160 vendors of handcrafted home décor, jewelry, goodies and more. It’s not a party unless there is live entertainment for everyone to enjoy! Take walks around the historic waterfront and eat at one of the many restaurants. Admission is free to all.

Enjoy the views of North Carolina Coast’s salt marshes, beautiful beaches, foot bridges, and have a lighthouse as your cheerleader as you run or walk this years 5k, 10k and 1-mile run. The festivities start on Friday the 20th from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The next day after the run enjoy the After Run Celebration at Middleton Park extension. Participants will receive drink tokens and be eligible for cash prizes, while the half marathon runners will receive a finisher award. The price of admission ranges from $25-$75 depending on the race.

Appreciate the finest arts and craft vendors, eat the delicious foods around the festival or go listen to some awesome bands. Don’t forget to watch the infamous Bopple Race, where you buy “Bopples” from the festival, drop them from the Holden Beach bridge and let the current push them towards the finish line. If your “Bopple” wins or comes in second, then you win a prize! Curious to find out what a “Bopple” is? You’ll have to come to Days at the Dock Festival to find out! With free admission and free parking, come out with your family and partake in this exciting tradition!

Come grab a spot on the beach and enjoy the largest beach party every month. Watch the full moon rise and “howl!” around a bonfire. Bring food and drinks to share while Maritime Market provides soup and appetizers. After the moon rises head to Mojo’s for “Moonrise to Midnight.” Admission is free to all.

To learn more about these spring events and others in North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands, and to plan your trip, visit www.NCBrunswick.com Follow NC’s Brunswick Islands on social media at www.facebook.com/NCBrunswick/ and www.instagram.com/ncbrunswickislands/

Looking to relax and refresh this new year with a romantic weekend getaway filled with picturesque views, laid back Southern charm and delicious dining? North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands offers visitors more than 45 miles of unsurpassed beaches that are ideal for a romantic getaway worthy of a Nicholas Sparks novel. To make your visit quainter, choose from one of six enchanting and unique Bed & Breakfasts located in the charming town of Southport.

Lois Jane’s Riverview Inn

Located along the historic waterfront of Southport, Lois Jane’s Riverview Inn was built during the 1890’s by Lois Jane’s grandfather, and refurbished by her children in 1995. During your stay, relax and unwind as you experience Southern hospitality at its finest. The historic Inn features four bedrooms in the main home with two additional suites in the guest cottage. All rooms are furnished with period furniture and accessories, many of which are family heirlooms. All guests at Lois Jane’s enjoy a full Southern-style breakfast served daily, with wine and hors d’oeuvres served in the late afternoon. Reserve your stay in Miss Mary’s Room and take in the breath-taking views of the Cape Fear River as you relax with your special someone on the spacious private balcony!

Robert Ruark Inn

Couples who desire an intimate and luxurious romantic getaway will enjoy a stay at the Robert Ruark Inn. Once owned by the family of the late world-renowned writer Robert Ruark, this whimsical bed and breakfast is located along the quiet streets of Southport and is nestled amongst beautiful ancient live oak trees, offering a scenic view of the stunning Cape Fear River. The elegant, Victorian-styled home offers lavish bed and breakfast accommodations, along with a scrumptious multi-course Southern-style breakfast and daily afternoon wine and cheese. Couples can relax in one of the four Robert Ruark Inn’s charming bedrooms, professionally decorated in historical antiques. All rooms have private baths with vintage themed wash pieces including granite counters and claw-foot tubs or a spa-like shower. Enjoy the inn’s opulent parlor, one of the two rocking-chair porches or cozy up to a loved one by toasty fire pit in the courtyard with a glass of wine.

Bell-Clemmons House

Built in 1864 and completely renovated in 2004, the Bell-Clemmons House is located in the heart of historic downtown Southport. Eclectic and delightful, the inn is filled with beachy chic décor complied of locally sourced artwork, furniture and antiques. Each room has its own distinct characteristics and theme. Guests can choose from the Key West, Outer Banks or Savannah rooms each celebrating the bold history of the South. Equipped with a balcony porch, spacious lounge, gourmet kitchen, and a scrumptious three course breakfast, guests will feel right at home. Check out one of the B&B’s beach cruisers to ride around Southport and explore during the day with your loved one.

Southport Inn

Located in the middle of Historic Downtown Southport, resides a cozy little bed and breakfast. Southport Inn Bed and Breakfast has been updated accordingly to the architectural integrity and historical significance of when the house was first built in 1894. The old-world charm of this Southport Bed and Breakfast combined with modern comforts makes this the perfect romantic getaway location. Accommodations include four bedrooms all with private bathrooms, high speed wireless internet, continental breakfast with healthy food options and a cozy porch perfect for watching the quiet world go by. This wonderful little hideaway is located within walking distance of exceptional dining, shopping and stunning views of the Cape Fear River.

The Brunswick Inn

The Brunswick Inn, which dates back to the mid-1800s, is a beautiful Federal-style mansion that overlooks the Cape Fear River and offers pristine views of Bald Head Island and the Oak Island Lighthouse. The inn has been carefully updated, respecting the historical integrity of this splendid piece of architecture. Accommodations at the Brunswick Inn include three spacious bedrooms with fireplaces and private baths with views of the Cape Fear River which can be seen from every guestroom. Each room is furnished with era furniture and accessories. Couples can enjoy a gourmet, home-cooked breakfast, along with fresh baked goods and in-season fruits, which are included in your stay. Reserve a stay in Lady Brunswick’s Room, the inn’s most spacious and romantic room that will lull you to sleep.

Captain Newton’s Inn

Built in 1886 by Captain Walker Newton, a renowned river pilot of his time, and since updated, Captain Newton’s Inn is settled on one of the original one hundred lots laid out by the city founders. The cozy inn’s nautical décor is reminiscent of the quaint historic fishing community it resides in. This three- bedroom B&B offers guests a daily breakfast and a wine and cheese reception. Check out the second- floor porch equipped with several rocking chairs and a swing for two that is the perfect setting for cozying up with your loved one with a good book and your favorite beverage.

To learn more about accommodations in North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands, and to plan your trip, visit NCBrunswick.com.

You can follow the North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands on social media at www.facebook.com/NCBrunswick/ and www.instagram.com/ncbrunswickislands/.